The Exeter School Board’s monthly voting meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17, began with a presentation of the transportation report given by Rick Wegman, supervisor of transportation.
Wegman informed the board members of this year’s purchase of two 77-passenger buses, one 54-passenger bus and a nine-passenger van. He requested three 77-passenger buses, one 54-passenger bus and a student van for next year.
His discussion also touched on the driver shortage issue, which appears to affect districts nationwide.
“It doesn’t seem to be a job anyone wants anymore,” said Wegman. There were inquiries about driving, but not much success in acquiring additional bus drivers.
After the presentation, an extensive discussion ensued regarding the procedures for selecting an assistant superintendent. Board member, Carol Kutscher, suggested that the Language Arts coordinator and STEM coordinators be included in the round one of the interview process.
A final vote of 8-1 approved the inclusion of Language Arts coordinator, STEM coordinators, personnel committee, school board president and superintendent would undertake round one of the interview processes. The entire school board would participate in the second round of interviews.
Board Vice President David Bender thought the school board’s participation in the interview process shows the candidate “the involvement of the school board and their commitment to getting the top candidate.”
Board member Robert Quinter followed suit with Bender’s comments. “I feel it is absolutely necessary that the board be able to conduct, participate in those interviews with more than one individual.”
Board President David Hemberger did not agree with his colleagues. He noted that he gave a long thought to the board’s involvement in the interview process. After conducting his research, Hemberger concluded that the board should not participate in the interview process for hiring the positions, other than, the superintendent.
“Selection of the best candidate should be based upon a process of betting by seasoned administrators and staff that are most familiar with the skills necessary for serving in this position,” said Hemberger. “With all respect to our school board members who are well intention, most of us are laymen and are not professional trained educators with experience in pedagogy or educational practice.”
Assistant Superintendent Todd M. Davies has resigned effective Nov. 26.
In other business, a motion carried 5-4 to award the general construction and electrical base bids totaling $170, 603 for the varsity softball dugout project.
The school board approved the proposed fee from KCBA to provide architectural/engineering services which represent an on-call professional services agreement for various work orders for maintenance projects identified in the 5-year maintenance program.
Jeffery P. Fries was hired to replace Susan Cook as Owatin Creek principal at an annual salary of 120,000.
